KUALA LUMPUR – Mega-sized constituencies should be given an increased amount of outright grants because of the density of people in these areas, said DAP lawmaker Syahredzan Johan (Bangi-PH).
The first-time MP used his constituency as an example, noting how it is the largest in Malaysia but received the same allocation as smaller constituencies.
“For instance, an allocation of RM1 million is divided between 300,000 voters or 690,000 residents. Compare this with the allocation being divided for 50,000 voters or 100,000 residents,” he said when debating Budget 2023 today.
“This is only a rough estimate and not an exact science, but we can already see how the fund allocations are unfair to the citizens of Bangi and other mega constituencies.
“I raise this (issue) not as an MP, but for the Bangi citizens whom I care for,” he added.
Other mega constituencies mentioned by Syahredzan included Subang, Kota Raja, Klang, and Tebrau.
Syahredzan clarified that his suggestion was not to reduce or cut any existing allocations, but to instead increase the amount according to the number of voters in a constituency.
He added that the proposed formula can ensure the allocations given to each constituency are fair and reflect the circumstances in the areas.
He also acknowledged that rural areas, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, require more funds for better development and infrastructure.
As such, he proposed that more funds should be allocated to projects benefiting the people.
Bangi was recently named the largest constituency in Malaysia by the Statistics Department in its latest Subnational Statistics of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies 2023 report.
The seat has the highest population among all 222 constituencies, with 691,900 people.
MPs’ allocations have been slashed under the unity government from RM3.8 million to RM1.3 million, where RM1 million of the amount consists of an outright grant. The remaining RM300,000 is for an MP’s service centre operations. – The Vibes, March 7, 2023
